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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What power does The Hymn to Poseidon discuss?

2. In The Hymn to the Moon, what analogy is made to the moon?

3. Who assists the poet in the beginning of The Hymn to the Moon?

4. How does Aphrodite think that Aeneas will be treated by the gods?

5. How is Hephaistos described in The Hymn to Hephaistos?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the main characteristics of Athena?

2. What happens to Demeter's daughter and how does Demeter initially respond?

3. What does the Dioscuri refer to in the two hymns to Dioscuri?

4. In what way does Hestia's power or presence compare to that of the other gods and goddesses?

5. How does Demeter reward the kindness of Celeus and Metanira and what is the result?

6. How is Athena's birth described in The Hymn to Athena?

7. How does Anchises respond to Aphrodite's true identity and what is the result of their affair?

8. Who is Hephaistos and what is he known for?

9. Who assists the poet in the beginning of The Hymn to the Moon, and what is the moon's name?

10. What does the poet pray for at the end of The Hymn to Poseidon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the entire saga of Demeter and her search for Persephone. Include an analysis of how Zeus becomes involved, the story of Demeter, King Celeus, and Metanira, the reunion between Demeter and Persephone, and how it leads to the changing of the seasons. Also, describe how Greek mythology was designed to explain the origins for things and which hymns illustrate that intent the most.

Essay Topic 2

The Hymn to Ares introduces a thought provoking theory about war and peace.

1) Describe how The Hymn to Ares is different in style from the other hymns in the collection and the possible reasons why the poet chose to write it in this style.

2) Explain what Ares is known for and why the poet thinks Ares can provide help in gaining courage.

3) Analyze the request made by the poet at the end of The Hymn to Ares and the idea of how fighting wars might lead to peace.

Essay Topic 3

The Hymn to Delian Apollo and The Hymn to Pythian Apollo are the final two hymns in The Homeric Hymns.

1) Explain the difficult circumstances surrounding Apollo's birth, why his mother had so much trouble, and the way that the island of Delios is rewarded.

2) Describe Apollo's search for the place to build his temple and Oracle, including his use of disguises and manipulation.

3) Explain the effects of Apollo's Oracle in Greek mythology and how the poet refers to it in The Hymn to Pythian Apollo.

4) Analyze the use of disguises in Greek mythology in general, using examples from The Homeric Hymns to provide possible reasons for why the gods chose to be disguised when approaching humans.

(see the answer keys)

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